A89915:2513
An exposition upon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not only the text is…An exposition vpon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not onely the text is…
An exposition upon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not only the text is methodically analysed, and the sense of the words, by the help of writers, both ancient and modern is explained: but also, by doctrine and use, the intent of the holy Ghost is in every place more fully unfolded and urged. ... Being, the substance of near seven years week-days sermons, of N. Byfield, late one of the preachers for the city of Chester.An exposition vpon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not onely the text is methodically analysed, and the sence of the words, by the help of writers, both ancient and moderne is explayned: but also, by doctrine and vse, the intent of the holy Ghost is in euery place more fully vnfolded and vrged. ... Being, the substance of neare seuen yeeres weeke-dayes sermons, of N. Byfield, late one of the preachers for the citie of Chester.
London: printed by Edward for Nathaniel Butter, 1617
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
These words contain the second reason to enforce the mortification of vice, and it is taken from their own experience: as if he would say, ye have lived a long time in these corruptions and sins, and therefore it is sufficient that you have spent the time past in these lusts of the Gentiles, it is high time now to abandon them: besides you should remember the misery you lived in by reason of sin, and from thence learn to confirm your selves in a constant course of resisting and striving against the occasions and beginnings of those sins.
THese words containe the second reason to inforce the mortification of vice, and it is taken from their owne experience: as if he would say, yee haue liued a long time in these corruptions and sins, and therefore it is sufficient that you haue spent the time past in these lusts of the Gentiles, it is high time now to abandon them: besides you should remember the misery you liued in by reason of sinne, and from thence learne to confirme your selues in a constant course of resisting and striuing against the occasions and beginnings of those sinnes.
From the coherence and the general consideration of the whole verse divers things may be briefly noted. First,1 that the knowledge and meditation of a mans misery by nature is a good medicine to kill lust and covetousness: The Apostle like a wise Physician, useth here the counsel hereunto as a principal part of his direction. For in that he puts them in mind of it, it shows that they should mind it by themselves much more. For not only it will show that these sins did then abound, but the very thought of such a woeful estate will beat down & kill by degrees the vicious inclinations of nature unto such sins. Secondly, in that the Colossians can bear it to be told of their sins past, it gives us occasion to take notice of this for a truth: that where a man hath soundly repented of any sin, he can easily bear it, to be touched with the remembrance of it, and with lowliness doth endure the needful discourse concerning it. It is a notable testimony that a man hath not truly repented of sin, when he is so impatient and unquiet in the mention or remembrance of sin. If a man have a wounded arm, while it is uncured,